Suitable for Years 11&12

Managing fire in a fire-prone environment

Bushfires are inevitable in the fire-prone landscapes of Western Australia. Long dry summers, flammable vegetation and ignition from lightning or human causes mean that bushfires occur every summer. Engage in geographic fieldwork to investigate and assess fuel hazard risk and examine how this might impact the ecosystem and community. Compare the effects of fire on natural and managed areas, examine spatial and temporal patterns of distribution and consider how topography and land management affect fire behaviour. Discover the difference between bushfires and prescribed burning and why prescribed burns are critical for protecting life, property and the environment. Assess how we can prepare for and mitigate the effects of bushfire.

All of our programs involve fieldwork in Jarrah Forest - Using scientific equipment, students conduct field investigations in the jarrah forest, comparing fuel loads and examining the ecological effects of fire. With a choice of two out of three flexible modules, this program can be tailored to suit your curriculum needs. 

Choose Two (2) of the following options:

1. Case Study - Students investigate a recent Western Australian bushfire, analyzing fire behaviour, environmental impacts, and the economic and social consequences of the event.

2. Fire Behaviour Mapping - Students explore fire behaviour mapping and the factors influencing fire spread. They then engage in geographic fieldwork to assess bushfire impacts on ecosystems and communities. A optional pre-excursion lesson will be shared with your booking for those who want to introduce fire weather, fire behavior, Fire Danger Ratings, and mapping techniques before your excursion.

3. Building Assessment - Students evaluate building designs for fire susceptibility and investigate preparedness, mitigation, and prevention strategies to reduce bushfire risk.

Curriculum links: Geography ATAR Unit 1 (SCSA, ACv9), Geography General Unit 3 (SCSA, ACv9) Cross-curricular and General Capabilities: Critical and Creative Thinking (ACv9), Numeracy (ACv9), Personal and Social Capability (ACv9), Sustainability (ACv9) 

Locations:

• Perth Hills Discovery Centre, Mundaring
• Forest Discovery Centre, Dwellingup (depending on availability)

Duration: 4 hours. 10am to 2pm including morning tea and lunch breaks. Groups arrive at 10 am then have 15-20 minutes for morning tea, activities commence after morning tea. Finish times can be adjusted to your needs.

COST: $510 (inc GST), max 30 students

Please note:

1. Maximum students per group is 30. Multiple groups can be accommodated. 
2. Our booking officer will get back to you via email to confirm your excursion within 7 working days.
   

Click here for more information on planning your visit:

If you have any questions regarding this activity, please email us at n2n@dbca.wa.gov.au. You need to submit and online enquiry form for any program, no bookings will be taken via email or phone.